Winter is coming in Alberta! Home to the Canadian Rockies, with all ski resorts due to open soon and the first snowfall dumped months ago! Offering 334 runs set across a combined terrain of almost 8,000 acres, Banff National Park's award-winning* three ski resorts are due to open soon! Starting with Mt. Norquay (often the first ski resort to open in all of Canada) on 2nd November and Lake Louise Ski Resort and Sunshine Village not long after on 9th November, allowing visitors to take advantage of the area's dry 'champagne' powder. Along the stunning Icefields Parkway, opening day at Marmot Basin in Jasper National Park is targeted for 14th November with an updated 91 trails covering 1,729 acres. Here's what's new this winter in the sunniest province in Canada:

NEWLY REFURBISHED POMEROY KANANASKIS MOUNTAIN LODGE

Located 45 minutes west of Calgary, the newly renovated Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge is part of Marriott International's Autograph Collection Hotels. A world-class resort in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, the completely modernised property features 247 renovated guest rooms and suites nestled quietly amidst rugged terrain and breath-taking views. Treating their guests to an authentic and comfortable retreat, the hotel is also home to the recently opened 50,000 sq. ft Kananaskis Nordic Spa and its five outdoor pools, six saunas and steam cabins, outdoor heated hammocks and eight treatment rooms. www.lodgeatkananaskis.com

RIDE, DINE & GAZE: NEW STARGAZING EXPERIENCE AT BANFF GONDOLA
A truly immersive experience not to be missed! The awesome new stargazing package from Pursuit includes a gondola ride up to the top of Sulphur Mountain and a delicious two-course meal 2,900ft above Banff. Settle at the Sky Bistro and enjoy a stunning bird's-eye view of six incredible mountain ranges and Banff town. Finally gaze upon the moon and stars as you take in the night sky from the 360-degree rooftop observation deck. Stargazing package with two-course dinner available on Friday and Saturday between 4 November 2018 to 10 March 2019 for just £47.50 ($79 CAD). www.banffjaspercollection.com/attractions/banff-gondola

NEW EXPERT TERRAIN OPENS AT MT NORQUAY
This winter will see Norquay open up more expert terrain, with the introduction of a three-hectare area at the top of “Boundary Bowl” - accessed from the North American Chair. These steep chutes have not been previously accessible and will be enjoyed by skiers looking for an adrenalin- inducing challenge. www.banffnorquay.com

EXPLORE THE LAKE LOUISE BACKCOUNTRY WITH NEW SNOWSHOE TOURS
The Guided Interpretive Snowshoe Tours at Lake Louise Ski Resort allow visitors to explore the most breathtaking scenic vantage points in the Canadian Rockies formerly only available to skiers and riders. New this year, tour participants can journey outside of the ski resort boundary to explore new territory with an experienced, friendly guide who will teach participants all about the flora and fauna in the area. Snowshoe tours feature full and half-day options on beginner, moderate and advanced trails, and include experienced certified guides, snowshoe rentals (snowshoes, boots and poles), hot chocolate and a snack. Tours are approximately three to four hours long and include transportation to and from Lake Louise (Ski Resort and local hotels). www.skilouise.com/activities-and-events/snowshoeing.php

SKIBIG3's GUIDED ADVENTURES SKI SERVICE
Designed to immerse the snow enthusiast in the best of Banff National Park's ski culture, and take their mountain experience to the next level. This three-day program is designed for intermediate and advanced skiers and riders who want to get to know the whole mountain like a true local! SkiBig3's guides will help find the best runs and pow stashes, without losing any precious time or energy. In addition to being certified ski instructors, the SKiBig3 pros are trained by a program offered through the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies (the grandfather of Banff National Park history) and Parks Canada. They'll provide valuable local intel on the history and culture of our three resorts, and the Banff area. Guests will top off their experience with Canadian Toffee Making on the slopes! From boiling down the maple water, spreading it on fresh snow and rolling it into a scrumptious candy stick - this is a unique, quintessential Canadian experience!

Take three days and leave with memories to last a life-time. Ski three resorts over three days from £260pp / $440 CAD. www.gb.skibig3.com/guided-adventures

AND IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: JASPER'S NEWEST SKI TERRAIN

Long coveted by locals and visitors alike, Marmot Basin is thrilled to announce that the area known as 'Tres Hombres' is open to the public again for it's second winter season. Steep, deep and wide open, the large, north-facing and treeless slope is an advanced skier and snowboarder heaven. With powder-filled bowls and chutes that descend 367 vertical metres, the five runs provide incredible and expert off-piste skiing and snowboarding terrain making it Marmot Basin's longest, uninterrupted fall-line at Jasper Ski Resort. www.skimarmot.com/news-events/tres-hombres

GET THERE: Canadian Affair (0203 424 6333 / www.canadianaffair.com) has a seven-night ski holiday staying in Banff from £923 per person on a room only basis. Departing between November 2018 and April 2019, the price includes return Air Canada flights from London Heathrow to Calgary, as well as transfers. Based on two adults travelling and sharing accommodation. Book by 30 November 2018.

For more information on Alberta, visit www.travelalberta.com/uk   

For more information on SkiBig3 visit www.SkiBig3.com 

For more information on Marmot Basin visit www.skimarmot.com    

* The Ski Club of Great Britain has named Banff as the winner of Best Resort in its 2018 Industry Awards.